Houseparents
Houseparenting:
A Career Worth Every Minute
Milton Hershey School employs over 200 houseparent couples to oversee student homes. They provide our students a structured, caring, home away from home. Houseparent couples shape the lives of children from lower-income families. They teach life skills that help students build character. They also help them succeed socially and academically.
Interested in positively impacting the lives of children? Houseparenting might be the unique career you’ve been seeking.
Life-Changing Employment Opportunities
At Milton Hershey School, careers are worth every minute. It is as much a lifestyle as it is a job. Learn more about how you can become part of the MHS family.
What It Takes
Working at MHS means putting our students first. The job requirements for houseparents are rigorous. That helps ensure we place the best people to nurture, support, and protect our students. If you are dedicated to impacting children’s lives, we encourage you to explore the houseparenting role.
The application process for houseparent positions is lengthy. Over the course of several months, you will have the opportunity to learn about the position and assess if it’s an opportunity that fits you and your spouse.
Daily Life as a Houseparent
Houseparent couples live on the MHS campus in a private apartment connected to a student home. There you’ll care for eight to 12 students of the same gender and age range.
Becoming a full-time houseparent means building a life in the welcoming community of Hershey, Pennsylvania. You’ll find lots to discover when you live, work, and play in the town built on chocolate.
Why Become a Houseparent?
Houseparents are passionate about the critical role they play in supporting our students. It’s so much more than a job—it’s a purpose.
Flex Houseparenting: Your First Position
When first hired, couples start out as flex houseparents. You’ll shadow current houseparents to learn more about the role and best practices. Flex couples also stand in when a current couple takes time off. This is your chance to begin developing relationships with students and staff in the home life community.
While the flex schedule can be demanding, the insights learned during this time will prove invaluable once you’re assigned to a student home of your own.
Alumni Thoughts on the Houseparent Role
Thy Traditions Dear is the MHS alumni magazine. The Spring 2020 edition explores houseparenting at MHS. Read what MHS alumni have to say about this vital position. They share firsthand how houseparents impact lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re sure you want to know even more about houseparenting. Check out answers to some common questions.
Other Ways to Serve at MHS
Houseparenting isn’t the right fit for everyone. But if you still want to serve our students, check out our other job openings.